Postcard from Gladstone, a small town in a big worldThe Queensland town of Gladstone may seem sunny and laid back, but its future hangs on the precarious movements of the global commodities market, with thousands of jobs in danger. That’s if the environmentalists don’t get to them first.
Commodities
GFC hits Mongolia’s herders
The impact of the Global Financial Crisis can be felt in even the most far-flung corners of the world, including Mongolia’s grasslands, where plunging commodity prices have been disastrous for local sheep and goat herders.
Signs of life in commodity exports, says ABARE
Exports are still in decline, but the rate is slowing, judging by the latest forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics.
Rice crunch spreads to the US; rationing underway
WalMart’s membership-based bulk food offshoot, Sam’s Club, has introduced restrictions on the amount of rice people can buy from some of its stores across the US, reports Glenn Dyer.
The crazy world of food pricing: a Crikey primer
Standby for further problems with food prices around the world, writes Glenn Dyer.
Oil and food soar, consumers hammered
The global food and commodity crisis is hitting everyone, not just developing countries, and it is really hurting at a time of slowing growth and falling confidence, reports Glenn Dyer.
Rice prices rise: stock up on fragrant basmati now
The global rice crisis continues to worsen, and we will soon be feeling it here in Australia, writes Glenn Dyer.
Surging rice prices add to food inflation pain
Food inflation shows no sign of easing with rice, the world’s most important staple, becoming swept up in the maelstrom of falling stocks, rising demand and soaring prices, reports Glenn Dyer.
Investors flee as commodities bubble goes south
Predictions that the worst could be over following Tuesday’s rally proved premature as commodities slump, reports Glenn Dyer.
